Frosty: The Adventures of a Morgan Horse

Morgan Horse Series #2

by Ellen F. Feld

Frosty, the second book in the Morgan Horse series, continues the adventures of Heather Richardson and her horse Blackjack. In addition, the story introduces a new character, a rare gray Morgan named Frosty. Through Frosty, Heather realizes that not all horses are meant to be show ring stars. Although disappointed at first, she soon discovers that Frosty's real talent lies in the area of trail riding, and it isn't long before Heather loves this sport. She and Frosty become trail buddies and must learn to trust each other if they are to survive the woods of Vermont...

Winner of the national book award, "Children's Choices" co-sponsored by The International Reading Association and The Children's Book Council. A total of 12,000 children from around the country voted on their favorite books.

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade

227 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

About the author

Ellen Feld is an IRA/Children's Choices winner (twice) who began writing about horses more than 20 years ago. At first she wrote for small, regional magazines, but within a few short years, her work began to appear regularly in large, national publications. In 2001, while waiting for her next assignment, Ms. Feld wrote a short story about a Morgan Horse. That tale became the first chapter of Blackjack: Dreaming of a Morgan Horse. The book went on to win a coveted Children s Choices award, an honor bestowed jointly by the International Reading Association and the Children s Book Council. To date, Ms. Feld has authored fifteen books, including seven in the Morgan Horse series and three in the best-selling "Donkey-Donk" series. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two children, twelve horses, one miniature donkey, and assorted other pets.

Reviews

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting story! The end was full of tension as the tale raced to a very uncertain climax. I truly didn't know what would happen. When I had picked up this book this morning to read on the way to / from the horse ranch I certainly never expected such an adventurous action packed story as it had seemed to be just a girl shopping for a new horse.

So this book caught my attention for a few reasons. I will list them each individually.

1. One of Heather's horses in here is sick and the symptoms were mysterious enough that I was totally intrigued. This last year or so I have been learning about various equine diseases so I know just enough that this made me curious. But nothing I knew exactly fit what the book describes...so...hmmm.... But the mystery definitely had me reading more so I could find out what it was. I am uncertain how much this would compel the general reader (??) but it certainly caught my attention - but then realize I am learning about stuff like thrush, Cushing's (which poor Oliver has), equine diabetes, etc.

2. The horse training in here was fascinating too. Heather definitely faces some major obstacles with her new horse Frosty. They require creativity. Luckily she knows how to look at things differently and has an open mind. Not every horse is going to be suited for the same thing.

3. The adventure! This is definitely an adventure story, especially towards the end of the book. I mean serious life and death here. Heather makes some major careless mistakes and she has to deal with that later. It makes for a very thrilling read. I never expected such a page turner at the end of this book but there it was!

And then the very end states it is based on true events that had really happened. Wow.

And I just LOVE the black and white drawings in here too!!

[Frances P. Haws · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

I hope there is book 3 ! I could hardly put it down! Thank you Ellen! We can all use a good book now!! I hope you have a book 3!

[Lizzy Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. I think this is one of the best horse novels out there. One of the best adventurous, intense, and sweet books I have ever read.

[Maryann Skaritka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for middle grade readers who have a love of horses or who want to learn more about horses.

The book centers around high school student Heather Richardson and her horses. Heather and her friend Laura go to a horse auction and Heather wins a bid for a new Morgan horse Frosty. She already has another horse Blackjack who she loves to ride and enter in shows. Heather boards her horses at Laura's family horse farm. Laura's dad Chauncey also helps out with the horses.

Much detail is given in the book in regards to horse training, equipment and care.

Heather and Laura go on a three day ride in Vermont. Things go terribly wrong and Heather and her horse Frosty have quite an adventure. Also there is another subplot that involves a mysterious illness that her horse Blackjack develops.

Readers will have a new appreciation and respect for all that is involved with horse care and training after reading this book. They will discover much about these beautiful majestic animals.

I received this book from Goodreads First Reads

[The Pen & Muse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written children’s story about the budding friendship of a young girl and a horse who will face adventures together. I love reading horse stories as I consider myself a child at heart, Feld is a pro at this and it shows. Horses are one of my favorite animals because of their beauty, intelligence and grace. They are such majestic animals. Fled brings one of her passion for horses into this series. It’s about friendship and discovery.This is a book that is a series, but can be read as stand alone. I would have to say to start from the beginning on this one because it’s such a fun series to read. These books are reminiscent of books that I read as a child, but also television shows that had horse characters such as My Little Pony. Great natured books and shows that brought a love for animals for children to get to know.

[Jennifer Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frosty: Adventures of a Morgan Horse is the second book in author Ellen Feld's Morgan Horse series, and the fourth one I've read. Feld has a way of injecting the real-life feelings, terminology, and events in her books. This is due to a lifelong passion for horses and basing the horses in her stories on real horses she actually owns. Anyone who has ever owned a horse, or even just loved them from afar, will see a little of themselves in these books. As a horse lover, I appreciate Feld's devotion to accuracy.

I do have to say that this book contained a large amount of passive voice and the writing style could have been stronger and more natural in general. However, I am especially sensitive to that as an editor, and typical readers may not mind it at all. For a horse lover, this is a fun story with enjoyable characters.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great choice for any animal or horse loving teens. This book draws you in from the first chapter; with anticipation you hope that Heather can buy the beautiful gray Morgan Horse, and if she does, what will the horse be like? It's a wonderful story of love between an animal and her human, and what listening to your animal can tell you. I also loved that Blackjack is still a vital part of the story, and his mysterious illness keeps the reader coming back for more. I appreciated that Ellen Feld researched and made sure that her terminology of the horses illness was accurate. All the way to the end I was intrigued and entertained.

[Lauren White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book free through goodreads first reads giveaway. Horse lovers will love this one! It is a great story of friendship, trust and all of what goes into riding. I must say that I didn't know/understand a lot of the horse things referenced but I think a horse enthusiast would really appreciate this book/series. Book is probably written for grades 4-7 but could be (content wise) shared for younger students who are looking for a challenge

[Vera Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shared this one with my niece and she really enjoyed it. She's om middle school. She loves horse, so books about them are her favs. So if you have someone that is around that age, would be a very good book for them.

[Sarah Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this series.

[Cassie Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book revolves around trail riding. My kids really liked it and I liked the fact that it dealt with trail riding - a discipline that is pretty much ignored in popular kids horse books.

[Cassie Melchior · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frosty is a great book. It shows how Heather cares for all of her horses. (Reviewer aged 10)

[Mariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute! This is definitely a pre-teen book for girls who love horses!